# XXIX: Particulars of a Twilight Walk explained — Far from the Madding Crowd

> Chapter companion for Far from the Madding Crowd by Thomas Hardy.

## What happens

Bathsheba's infatuation with Sergeant Troy is analyzed, revealing her folly and self-deception. Gabriel Oak, observing her dangerous course, confronts her during a twilight walk, warning her against Troy and urging her to consider the honorable Mr. Boldwood. Bathsheba angrily defends Troy and tries to dismiss Gabriel, but he refuses to leave, insisting on staying to protect her farm.

## Themes in this chapter

### Obsession and Madness

Bathsheba's irrational love for Troy is described as a folly that permeates her character, blinding her to his flaws.

### Deception and Honesty

Bathsheba believes Troy's cajoleries despite knowing they are false, while Gabriel speaks plainly and honestly about his concerns.

### Independence and Gender Roles

Bathsheba's self-reliance is undermined by her love for Troy, and Gabriel challenges her authority as a female farm manager.

## Character check-ins

### Bathsheba Everdene

Shown as self-reliant yet foolishly infatuated with Troy, she defends him passionately and tries to dismiss Gabriel.

### Gabriel Oak

Troubled by Bathsheba's infatuation, he confronts her on a twilight walk, warning her against Troy and offering his steadfast love.

### Frank Troy

Discussed as the object of Bathsheba's love; Gabriel questions his character and warns of his deceitfulness.

### William Boldwood

Mentioned as the man Gabriel believes Bathsheba should marry; he is absent from home.

### Liddy Smallbury

Referenced as the confidante to whom Bathsheba spoke freely about Boldwood, contrasting with her secrecy about Troy.

## Key lines

> Bathsheba loved Troy in the way that only self-reliant women love when they abandon their self-reliance.

Bathsheba's love for Troy is the kind of intense devotion that only independent women feel when they give up their independence.

_Highlights the paradox of her strength becoming weakness._

> Oak determined to speak to his mistress. He would base his appeal on what he considered her unfair treatment of Farmer Boldwood.

Gabriel resolved to confront Bathsheba, using her unjust behavior toward Boldwood as the basis for his argument.

_Shows Gabriel's strategic approach to warning her._

> I know this, th-th-that he is a thoroughly conscientious man—blunt sometimes even to rudeness—but always speaking his mind about you plain to your face!

Bathsheba stammers defensively that Troy is honest and straightforward, even if blunt.

_Reveals her desperate need to justify Troy's character._

> This supreme instance of Troy's goodness fell upon Gabriel's ears like the thirteenth stroke of crazy clock.

Gabriel heard Bathsheba's claim about Troy's piety as an absurd and unbelievable falsehood.

_Emphasizes Gabriel's skepticism and the depth of Bathsheba's delusion._

## Links

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